Tuesday, July 28, 2009

mmmm, that got your attention didn't it? What I should say is I give good blog love.

Let's have a cocktail turns 6 months old today. Oh, she is but a baby still isn't she? But she is growing. And hopefully blooming.

Remember the birthday post? In response to that post, and the incredible commentary from all of you, my Mom called me and said,"I love reading the comments as much as I love reading the blog."

Which I willingly helped her clarify that surely she meant she likes reading the comments almost but clearly not as much as reading her own child's comic genius.

She said, "No. I love the comments too."

Repeat that conversation with older brother.Repeat that conversation with younger brother.

But the truth is, the comments here are amazing. I must now employ caution regarding where and when I read them since I made the mistake of reading them during a meeting via Blackberry and when I guffawed out loud, I assure you my laughter didn't coincide with the discussion of contractual terms. Well, frankly, contractual terms, you should not be so dull.

Part of the excellence of the experience for me is not just the writing, but that the writing finds an audience, and the audience responds. From the comments to the blogrolls and the awards, every one of you adds value to this process for me. Everyday.

So thank you for your incredible response.

And I want to give some love for that. I can't mail you a cocktail, you certainly don't need a framed photo of me, and my fabulous baked goods won't make it past my mailman. So I came up with something better.

I wanted to give you something you deserve. And hopefully, something you can use. So....

I am giving you a night off. Seriously.

In celebration of turning 6 months, I will propose a toast. And then I am giving one of you a certificate for one free night at any InterContinental Hotel in the world. InterContinental Hotel Group is incredible. They also own Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, and various others. Top notch hotel group with 4500 hotels located in 97 countries, I think a night off in which someone else will pick up after you just might be handy.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post. And if you feel like sharing it with others, do it. If you feel like hogging it to yourselves, you can do that as well. It is my way of thanking you for giving me big blog love in return.

And Friday, I will pick one of your names from a magic hat.

So here's to all of us who are reading, and writing, and responding. I hope our best work still lies ahead.

PS: Do not make me get into legalese of black out dates/restrictions/expiration date/and other boresville snoozeyfacts. There are very few restrictions. I will give the winner all of the details. If you don't have an IC Hotel near you, worry not. I have a Plan B.

My last vacation was 1992, but don't put my name in the drawing unless I can regift it because I am physically unable to travel. That being said.....Hi Jenny's mom! You raised yourself one intelligent,talented girl and YOU should take a bow! What was the secret? I'm a mom of grown kids and I'm always interested in another mom's secrets to raising successful children. (My secret was choosing the right father for them and praying a heck of a lot!) I'm guessing Jenny was a colorful kid and I'd just bet you could guest blog here and again and regale us with some fanciful tales. Think about it!

I've been blogging a little less time than you and you were one of the first blogs I discovered and have read it every day since. You are smart, funny and a great writer. The blog world is better for having you in it.

OK is that enough suck up to get the hotel room. I've got plans for Mr. Peach Tart.

Just kidding. It's all true. I look forward to reading more and learning more about you.

Have a Happy Day Maybe a glass of champagne and dinner out. (Note: to JohnnyMac)

In my last blog the comments – especially when they developed into comments threads – were usually far more entertaining than my original posts. The way they wandered away from the subject into entirely new areas was a frequent source of fascination: they could be either entertaining and educational, or even both.

A happy sixth mensiversary to your blog, and may your comments flourish.

Lol! Yes, that certainly DID get my attention, clever and classy lady :)

I'm with you on the comment bit; as soon as I've finished a post I can't wait for time to pass and sneek a peak at who commented on it and what they said. I suppose it's like the day before your birthday and you know of all the good hiding places Mom usually tries to keep the presents and eventhough you want to wait until your birthday, you can't help but wrip the wrapping paper to tiny bits and see what's waiting inside: the same book for the fourth year in a row from your brother, no surprise there, but there are always some you find great delight in.

Happy 6 months! May the following ones hold more reasons to have plenty of cocktails and laughs :)

My comments put my blog to shame all the time. I'm getting used to it now, sometimes I feel like I'm the straight man to lots of people far funnier than me. Congratulations on the six months - I didn't realise it was possible to have a blog as widely read and popular as yours in such a short space of time. Really, we all ought to hate you but for some reason that's just not possible, dammit.

Happy 6 months! I love that your family reads your blog and gets a kick out the genius it is as well as the comments! Hubs only reads the comments...should he have trouble understanding them or lack context, he will in turn read the post...stinker.Ooh, what a fabulous giveaway! Sadly I feel very undeserving as I only found this gem recently but I do love it so I will let your magic hat determine my fate :)

I don't know about you, but we're still in the whole "I can't believe people read, much less comment about our randomness on a daily basis" mode. Seriously, when I see a new comment, I get really excited.

And my mom and I have entire conversations not only about the commenters on my blog, but also their lives in general. It usually goes something like this:

Mom: Did you see the latest comment from LMJ?

Lisa: I know, she's hilarious.

Mom: How is her sister doing? I saw that she lost a big chunk of her book when her laptop died.

Lisa: Yeah, I think she's having to rewrite a lot of it.

Mom: Have you heard from GreyStreetGirl recently? I worry about her when she doesn't post.

Lisa: I think she's taking a break from blogging.

Mom: And whatever happened to SpinRegina?

Lisa: Yeah, I don't know.

Mom: You really need to meet all of these people. Why don't you go to that writing conference that Kimberly Derting is going to...

Yeah, you get the idea. My mom is obsessed with blogging and secretly reads every single blog on our blogroll. It's hilarious. She's going to kill me when sees this comment.

Congratulations on the blog! I am pretty much in the same boat as I have had mine up nearly the same amount of time. That reminds me. I should look at my first post and see when I started.Anyhoo, love reading your blog and so glad I found it.

Happy Anniversary and count me in! The last night out I had was for my anniversary and my husband took me to the InterContinental. It was wonderful and we would love to go back! My only question is: Do you want to babysit my kids too? :)

Funny enough I was thinking the same thing this morning on the way to work - about how happy blogging has made me. I've only been doing it for a month but (and this is a pretty big claim) it's totally changed my personality! I'm sort of - cheery! And you're right, it's the comments and followers that do it!

Wow, that is an original and extremely useful gift! I can vouch for the Intercontinental chain, amazing! We most recently stayed at the one in Chicago and loved it :) Thanks for the opportunity to win!

Congratulations, it's always fun finding things to write about and harder still to comment on someone's blog without sounding too much like an idiot...I had to comment because winning a stay in a hotel sounds so wonderful! Thanks for the chance!

Happy 6 months! I think I am going on 17 months! Blogging is so fun! How cool that your family reads your blog. I am obviously so boring that only Lil Sis reads...and that is because she lives 11 hours away! LOL! Dr. Hubby will read it when he thinks I am mad at him...to see if I have said anything about him...that cracks me up!

We stayed at the IC several years ago...I think Manga Dork was 6...we were going to Cleveland, Ohio. Manga Dork said "I hope we are staying at the Super 8...that is my favorite hotel." Well, after about an hour in our gorgeous room...filled mini fridge, marble bath, glass shower, robes...she said "Mom, I think this hotel is my new favorite." LOL...ya think?!

Well thank YOU. It's always nice to have an outlet for rambling you know. Ramble, ramble, ramble. Happy six month thingy!

I stayed at a Crowne Plaza recently actually (In Minneapolis) and it was mindblowingly awesome. It was cheap - an online booking - so I didn't expect much but then I entered the room and thought, "There's been a mistake, should I tell them?" Because you know, the bed was king size and had linen that didn't assault your eyeballs, and pillows everywhere, and tasteful lamps and furniture and a goddamn SLEEP CD. I thought they'd mistaken me for someone famous. Normally I'm not allowed where nice people stay. Of course when you're used to slumming it in Super 8s with floral bedspreads that offend good taste everywhere, luxury is comparative...

OK, look, I'm in Bangkok and today I had lunch at the Trattoria, Intercontinental's Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar. Obviously I could have waited until I WON this competition, but i'm happy to report that when I *do*, boy will it ever be easy to indulge in. OK, so can we finalize this prior to Aug 6??xoxo

Comments are certainly GRAND! THEY really add to blogging and posting! I am coming up on post 400! "WOW"! I will say that in order to get all the wonderful comments you have to be liked or your postings have to be liked! THUMBS up for you. Thanks, for the thank you too!

So glad the Blog Hop happened and I got a "chance" to meet you, I love your blog and seems like you have been doing it for much longer than 6 months! You are a pro, which comes in handy for giving good blog (hee-hee)! Congrats and I look forward to being along for the ride for the next 6!

Happy 6 monthaversary! Thanks for the humor, some tears and hearfelt laughter. Reading your words every day makes you feel not quite so far away. I do love the comments. They are the cocktail garnish. What a witty, warm group of followers you have!

I knew i liked your blog for a reason. Now if you could just pick my name (even though i dont know if there is that kind of hotel near me, but you did say you had a plan b, so ill leave you to worry about that) then I'll LOVE you. Forever :)

Happy Bloggy Birthday! And thanks for being so generous...both with your comments and with your giveaway offer. I'm really glad we've become "bloggy friends." Here's to many more guffaws in the future!

blogging is such a release, eh? I don't know how you found me, but I'm glad you did...your writing in this post alone has piqued my interest in reading more...more...MORE!

and the fact that you are an attorney...and speak of contractual terms...I can relate to you a bit, since I work with transactional attorneys all day long...40+ long hours a week...every week...for the next 7 years...(i'm on a 7 year plan!)

It is indeed truly wonderful to give and receive comments. I think it is my favorite part of blogging. I don't know how many times my wife and I were driving down the road when I've burst out laughing and she sitting there was going, "What! What?"As I am fairly new to your blog I will say that you have a unique style which I don't believe I've ever seen anyone else capture. I am enjoying your blog and thanks for stopping by. Happy 6th.

hi! thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice comment :), i'm having much fun reading your posts and understanding your great sense of humor. wow! unbelievable give-away, this is only my first comment on your blog but just wanted to say thanks for allowing me to find your blog and that i'll be back often :)

So, this magic hat...is it made of ham??? I know, I know let it go Lady Di, let it go. Sorry I just couldn't resist. Congrats on the huge following you have acquired or shall I say "are acquiring". You're a big time playa now.

Pretty impressive following you've gathered in 6 months. Way to go, JennyMac!

Dang. I was looking forward to a framed picture. Not in a creepy sort of way. Just hoping it would be signed and then I could someday say I "knew you when" and then put it on ebay and maybe make a little money off of you. Because I'm a good friend like that.

oh, it pains me to admit this, but often times the comments on my blog FAR EXCEED my posts. there! i've said it! where would we be without comments?!??! i love them! and you are so kind and so sweet for acknowledging your fans and offering up THIS FANFUCKINGTASTIC GIVEAWAY!

hope your mom doesn't mind cursing?!?!?! if she does, SHIT! tell me to knock it off and i will.

or you could punish me and not put me in the running for this giveaway. humph. that is something my mom would do, for sure!

I only found your blog the other week, so I had no idea you've only been around for a wee 6 months... your following is HUGE for that short time! Yowza! I guess everyone fell in love at first read the same way I did :) Happy half bloggiversary!

Six months, good for you. I can only pray that I don't get bored with the ramblings of my own blog to make it to a 6 month milestone. I also love that folks are giving your mom love in their comments/congratulations to you. That is classic!

Enjoy your night of celebration.

Oh, thanks for the toast gesture but due to my perpetual unemployed status I'd rather have a stiff drink in the bar of a hotel owned by your company than a complimentary night so if that is going to be a future give away put me on the top of that list and let one of the deserving stay at home moms enjoy your very generous offer :-)

Ha ha! But you CAN mail a cocktail! I mailed an entire coctail party to my hubs when he was overseas. Slightly illegal? Probably. I have the secret to getting that Listerine taste out of the bottles so your Bourbon doesn't taste of...well...Listerine.

You better get the patent on that great line. I can just see the t-shirts now - "I give good blog!" I just got a rather risque image in my head of a man and woman being intimate. The woman has an internal monologue bubble over head and is in the middle of the intimacy with her man saying to herself... "I'm sooo gonna blog about that quiche I made yesterday." And the man says to himself, "You know it baby!" LOL! :-)

Happy six months to you! I have to make some time to read the beginning days you have written. You're a wonderful writer.

And your mom is right - comments are great. They lead to other great writers too (not as good as you, but you know....)

So...six months is it?? Seems like only yesterday you were laying in my lap in a little white blanket...oh and you were only about a week old (for anyone interested - look at the pic on JennyMacs 11MAY post...yup - that's us!) My, oh, MY...HOW FAR you've come!! AND your even taller now than then!!

I have always known you were creative and witty (dare I say "Smart-ass" on your blog?!) But I guess I didn't really know the depth of that insight and ability until you started writing your blog - I am amazed at (as well as amused at) your ability to cover so many different subjects with comprehension and that little JennyMac twist! Starts my day off with a huge laugh EVERY DAY!! What prowess you have demonstrated collecting the followers you have - all because you are very gifted...and VERY funny!!

Congrats on your first six-months...pretty amazing, really!! I hope to be reading this six YEARS from now (either here or in a paper publication!) and even though I am physically quite the distance from you - in some small way I feel like I get to "see" you everyday!!

Keep seeing the world as only you do...and keep writing about it!!

Oh - and I would like also to opt out of the generous offer...I travel PLENTY and someone else could surely use this night off more than me...I just need to drive to Atlanta soon!!